There are cyclists who look forward to the crisp air of fall and winter, anxiously waiting for the days of arm warmers and knickers while others cannot wait for the sweltering heat of July. For the latter group, the Assos ns.13 Lady Sleeveless Jersey is made for you. This is the jersey you pull out in the middle of January when the thought of another windy day in the saddle makes you shiver. Hold it. Caress it. Imagine those wet, cold booty-clad days on the bike fading into the heat and humidity of summer. The Assos ns.13 Lady is everything we love about sleeveless jerseys -- cool, sexy, and almost as light as the tissue paper that comes in the box with it. Some companies think that a sleeveless jersey is really just a tank top with pockets. These companies take a running singlet, stitch on pockets in the back and some elastic at the hem. In a flash, they've turned a running top into a riding top. Assos begs to differ. Crossover gear is fine, so long as it fits the purpose of riding. A converted running top doesn't. The Assos ns.13 Lady Sleeveless Jersey is constructed as a jersey, one that despite the apparent simplicity, is incredibly complex. The result, however, is simple. It is a second skin, an enhanced skin that feels like wearing almost nothing at all. The front of the ns.13 Lady jersey has the heaviest, stretchiest fabric of the entire piece. The wicking macro spandex is designed to hug the body, and with six panels (yes -- six in front!) the material hugs the body well. The collar is non-existent, thanks to a realization that this is a top for the warmest days of summer. The full-zipper is an acknowledgment of the same fact. It is for the warmest days of summer. Unzip going uphill, zip going downhill. The front panels are comfortable, practical, aerodynamic, and flattering. But it is the back panels that really make this top a stand-out. The essential panel is the center top panel constructed entirely of sheer mesh. This fabric has excellent evaporative qualities and anchors the rear of the jersey firmly in place This same fabric is also used under the pockets to increase ventilation along the waistline, keeping your back dry and comfortable, even on the hottest of days. Assos is always working something interesting with the pockets. The ns.13 Lady has a four-pocket back. There are two deep pockets on either side of the back. Running down the middle are two smaller pockets, each protected by its own flap of fabric. The upper pocket is great for a cellphone and other sizable stashables. The lower is great for a credit card and/or key.One note to keep in mind: Assos designs all of their clothing with their AEPD (Assos Ergonomic Pattern Design) philosophy. When you put this jersey on, it might pull upward and seem short at your tummy when you're standing straight up looking in the mirror. But it's not designed to be perfect when you're standing in your bedroom -- rather, they're designed to
